The Newman Government is undertaking a registration of interest process with pre-identified builders that could lead to the redevelopment of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey says the process of asking for registrations of interest is consistent with the approach of assessing the feasibility of accelerating the Aquatic Centre redevelopment.

“The Government has made no decision about the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre and is continuing negotiations with the Gold Coast City Council on the matter,” Minister Stuckey said.

“This is consistent with the Government’s approach of looking to see if it is feasible to accelerate the redevelopment of the Aquatic Centre.

“By taking this action, the Government will be able to move forward quickly with the redevelopment if the decision is taken to do so.”

The Government will make initial contact with 26 companies on the Public Works Contract Register, inviting them to register their interest in the redevelopment project.

A short list of builders will then be invited to tender for the project.

A letter has also been issued to Southport community representatives as the first stage of the planning approval process for the Aquatic Centre.

A further round of broader public consultation will take place in coming months.

“Irrespective of the outcome of these deliberations, the Centre will be upgraded well before the 2018 Commonwealth Games.”